Former US President Donald Trump showed his appreciation for his wife, Melania Trump, with a friendly kiss after she surprised him by attending the Republican National Convention on Thursday night, July 18. At this event, Trump accepted the Republican party’s nomination for president.

This year, unlike in the 2016 and 2020 campaigns, both Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump have mostly stayed away from the campaign trail. On the night of the convention, Trump’s family, excluding Melania, entered the arena after Trump formally accepted the GOP nomination. They joined the family box and listened to a speech by wrestler Hulk Hogan.

Melania then made her entrance, smiling and waving to the crowd as she walked alone into the arena and up a flight of stairs to take her seat next to vice-presidential nominee JD Vance. She wore a red skirt suit while Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 played in the background.

“On this journey, I am deeply honored to be joined by my amazing wife, Melania,” Trump said to extended applause. “And Melania, thank you very much.”

Trump also mentioned that Melania “did something really beautiful” when she wrote her statement calling for unity after a recent shooting incident.

Melania walked up to Trump, whispered in his ear, and Trump gave her a kiss on the cheek rather than on the lips. As the family stayed on stage for about 20 minutes, Melania stood by Trump’s side, showing affection by touching his arm at times and chatting with Vance and his wife, Usha Vance.